2019 Tundra 5.7 4x4 Twoing 22FB Caravel?

[Happy4Travel]

Does anyone have thoughts about a 2019 Tundra TRD 4x4 Crewmax towing a 22FB Caravel? When reviewing the specs for both, I think the Tundra will handle the caravel nicely but I'm looking for any input one way or the other from experienced AS towers before buying the Caravel. We are new at trailer towing. We have only towed our Malibu ski boat. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

[AlinCal]

From the AS website for 22FB:
Hitch Weight (with LP & Batteries) 525
Maximum Trailer Capacity (GVWR) (lbs.) 5,000
That will be no problem for the Tundra what so ever.

[KK4YZ]

We have a 2015 Tundra Crewmax Limited 4x4 and pull a 23D which has GVWR of 6000 lbs. we have pulled the 23D with no problems all over the eastern half of the US. There are some pretty long 6% and (I think) 7% grades in NC that we’ve navigated without problems.

Since you’re new to trailering I’ll pass along some unsolicited advice (if you don’t mind) that will hold true no matter what you’re pulling:
1) when going down steep grades, use engine braking and apply your brakes sparingly to control speed. This will keep your brakes from overheating.
2) Don’t feel like you need to set a speed record while towing, especially going up and down steep grades,
3) watch the pressure in your trailer tires and use a tire pressure monitoring system to alert you in case there’s a puncture. This will reduce the risk of a tire coming apart and damaging the trailer.

It might sound complicated but it’s mostly common sense. RVing is the best way to travel IMHO.
JIM

[majorairhead]

The Tundra will tow that 22 footer.

Set up your hitch per manufacturer instructions and you'll be fine.

[Piggy Bank]

To enhance what KK4YZ said

Use Tow-Haul mode when towing.

Read up on the S gear and how to shift down and up when driving hills. You will love this. We have had both a 22 and a 25 from Kansas City to Yellowstone and back. The lower S gears makes the engine slow you down so you very rarely touch the brakes.

There is a headlamp throw adjustment if you need it if the light isn't hitting the ground when you are hitched.

We love our Tundra/Airstream combination

[Happy4Travel]

Thanks so much to everyone who responded to my Tundra towing question. The good news is that I shift all the time (use engine compression instead of brakes), so that's a no-brainer. I work for a large fire department in CA and have driven fire engines and currently drive a 2500 HD Dodge, so using engine compression in hilly areas is a regular thing for me, and I'm sure not into speeding or pushing on a vehicle that is working already. I read the specs on the AS 22FB Caravel and seemed the Tundra would do just fine, but I have read other posts stating the Tundra is less than stellar at towing even within spec range. So your posts are very reassuring. So now we have to buy the AS!

[smithcreek]

We tow an FC20 with a Tacoma. The FC 20 is similar to the 22 weight-wise, with an even heavier tongue weight, and it's a great combination with the WD hitch set up correctly. The Tundra should be even better.

[ejami5]

Thanks for posting Happy4Travel. I have a 2019 Tundra 4x4 Platinum and was wondering the same thing since I'm considering upgrading from my 20' FC to a slightly larger AS such as the new 22' Caravel.

[Mollysdad]

I have a Tundra 5.7 and it tows my 26' beautifully.
I didn't want the crew max because I didn't need a big back seat and wanted more carrying capacity and a 6.5' bed. I also didn't want a 4x4 because of the extra complexity, step height, and lower gas mileage.
I assume you already have the truck and are wondering about pulling the caravel?
No problem!

[Ms.Damascus]

We have towed our 25 for 7 years with the Tundra 5.7 4x4 with no problems. We have been to Alaska, Newfoundland and all over the highest mountains in the west. The truck has been awesome.

[wavelength]

You could tow two 22ft trailers with a Tundra 5.7. We tow a 25ft Classic with our 2007 Tundra with no problems

[smithcreek]

Originally Posted by ejami5

Thanks for posting Happy4Travel. I have a 2019 Tundra 4x4 Platinum and was wondering the same thing since I'm considering upgrading from my 20' FC to a slightly larger AS such as the new 22' Caravel.

The 22' Caravel has the same 5,000 lb. GVWR as the FC20. Also, the tongue on the 22' Caravel is over 100 lbs. less than the FC20. So it might be a bit larger, but it's not any heavier.

[WHERRWE]

We towed our Flying Cloud 28 with a 2015 Tundra 1794, and it performed very well. Our only problem was that we were slightly overweight on the rear axle and we had decided we wanted to boondock more, and possibly become snowbirds for part of the winter, meaning we would need to haul more stuff in the pickup bed.

We dearly loved our Tundra, and we reluctantly traded it for a Nissan Titan XD, giving us the carrying capacity we need. So far we’re very happy with the Titan, but the Tundra makes an excellent tow vehicle.

[caz]

We tow our 30 ft Airstream with our Tundra, 5.7L double cab, 2wd, with tow package. No problems. Plenty of power.

[cfishii]

You will be amazed how easy the Tundra pulls your. Airstream. It will pull much easier than your boat.

[Mollysdad]

Let me add this caveat.
The 5.7 Tundra will have plenty of power. I never think of that.
The times I'm more cautious is going DOWN steep grades.
I never want to learn what brake fade is, so I don't ever ride the brakes and in order to do that I keep my speed under 55 and manually shift down to a balance of engine braking and RPM. It's easy!

[KK4YZ]

Originally Posted by Happy4Travel

....., but I have read other posts stating the Tundra is less than stellar at towing even within spec range....

Those comments are usually from folks that just don’t like Toyota’s, or need something more than a 1/2 ton truck because of the cargo they plan to carry.

[SpiffyIM]

I have a 2018 Tundra Crew Max and tow a 25' Globetrotter. I did have a sway system installed which certainly helps stabilize. Have no problems, but if I go any larger, I would upgrade my vehicle.

[Rhuffer2]

I tow a 22FB Sport just fine with my Tundra and the smaller engine. My brother has the Tundra Crew Max and 5.7 engine he uses for a 26ft SOB. He claims no issues. We did both replace the Rotors with aftermarket drilled and vented rotors. Using the Sport mode and Towing setting gets you away from overheating the brakes and is a good upgrade. I was getting a lot of pulse from the old rotors, although they had put in their time and were ready to be changed out. But the mountains around Salt Lake City are no problem with my rig going up or down.

[ShelMar]

We towed our 2019 GT 27FB from Seattle to Cabo San Lucas and back with our 2016 Tundra 1794 Crew Max. We added airbags to the rear suspension and upgraded the brakes to TRD. We also used anti sway bars. We did not experience any problems.